North Muskegon’s Ginny Hoch looks to make lasting impression on tennis court in her senior season

Ginny Hoch of North Muskegon serves against Liz DeYoung of Muskegon Catholic Central during the no. 1 singles semifinals of the GMAA City tennis tournament on Tuesday, May 8, 2012. (MLive File Photo)

At this point in the season, tennis coaches in the area will typically have their lineups set for the upcoming year.

However, with the weather playing a factor in how much court time many teams are getting, lineups are still being adjusted and readjusted.

"We're still playing around with our lineups because of the weather," North Muskegon coach Joe Gentle said. "It'll be a while before the lineup is completely set."

But there's one spot in North Muskegon's lineup that isn't in question – and it hasn't been for the past four years. Senior Ginny Hoch will return as North Muskegon's No. 1 singles player, a spot she's held since she was a freshman.

A two-time state qualifier, Hoch's style is well suited to the high school game, according to Gentle.

"She hits the ball deep in the court and she moves well," Gentle said. "She won't overpower anyone, but in high school, smart play wins. She epitomizes that. She has this ability to focus and not give her opponents any easy points. That's why she's been so hard to beat."

Coming into the 2013 season, Hoch has amassed a 53-25 overall record. She went 21-6 during her junior year, "an indication of her increased confidence," Gentle said.

"Ginny hasn't had any dips in her career. She just keeps getting better," he said. "She's more aggressive now, and she's improved her game every step of the way. She's developing a passing shot and her serve has gotten better. She goes for more than she used to."

Hoch will look to advance past the state quarterfinals for the first time in her career and earn her third consecutive spot on the Division 4 all-state team. Hoch would also like to claim her first title at the GMAA City Tournament on May 4, a feat that Gentle said is attainable since Mona Shores' Brigid Kiley graduated last year.

With six returning seniors on the roster, North Muskegon as a whole will be a mix of experience and new players. But it will still look to qualify for state for the second year in a row.

"It's a good group of girls," Gentle said. "I'm looking forward to the season."

Whitehall, too, will look to its three senior captains to lead their team to a second consecutive state finals berth but with the added challenge of moving up to Division 3.

"We have some really good leaders on the court, but we lost a captain and another key player last year, so those are big holes that we need to fill," coach Greg McManus said. "We have a strong senior class and we have a big talented freshman class coming in. We feel good going into this year as far as competing night in and night out."

Similar to North Muskegon, Grand Haven will rely on its senior leadership and the strength of the entire lineup for success.

"I think we have a lot of depth, and the girls have a lot of experience," Grand Haven coach Jaime Oppenlander said. "I just want to keep growing throughout the season, just keep growing stronger and continuing to develop."

After losing six seniors to graduation, Mona Shores may be facing the toughest challenge in the area.

"A lot of players that played at lower levels are being called upon to fill the top-tier spots," coach Andrew DeBruyn said. "We've looked good, but it's hard until you really get out there and start playing some matches. Right now, I would consider doubles our strength, but once we get some matches under our belt that could all change."

Five players to watch:

1. Ginny Hoch, North Muskegon: The No. 1 singles player for her entire career, Hoch's stamina is key in the long matches that are a trademark of her game. According to coach Joe Gentle, Hoch needs to keep playing aggressively to improve on her already successful career.

2. Katelyn Jelinek, Whitehall: Jelinek earned a regional title at No. 2 singles last year, but coach Greg McManus is confident the she's going to improve even more this season. McManus says the key for the natural athlete will be to draw on last year's experience while facing new opponents in Division 3.

3. Sophia Gossett, Mona Shores: Despite being a freshman, Gossett has already earned the No. 3 singles spot on the roster and first-year varsity coach Andrew DeBruyn said she's already playing as if she's a returning player. Her poise and ability to move well will keep opponents guessing.

4. Erin Staal, Grand Haven: Despite a tough sophomore year in the No. 1 singles slot, Staal will be able to grow her confidence and play her best tennis this season according to coach Jaime Oppenlander. Though not a captain, the team will also rely on her as a leader says Oppenlander.

5. Lenka Pousova, Spring Lake: The exchange student from Slovakia is touted by Whitehall's McManus as "hitting the ball harder than most guys." She's already earned the No. 1 spot in Spring Lake's singles rotation, proving she's going to be a challenge for many teams.